The next day after the eting, Malfas set off on his travel from the simple settlent during the morning and Reni and the others gathered their luggage together with all residents after seeing off Malfas in the morning, because they will depart after lunch as well.
The ones leaving the settlent amount to around 200, roughly 80% of all residents. A few dozens consisting of those excelling at battle among the beastn and the humans, who are attached to Swordland, stayed behind. The group staying behind seems to plan to visit the villages of other beastn and build a force that will oppose the demons.
They chose different paths in life, but it was a calm separation without any quarreling.
Packing their luggage on several wagons, the travellers, except for the children, move by walking in order to protect the wagons, just like at the ti when they arrived at this settlent.
Many of the people, who waved their hands and bid farewell, had tears blurring their eyes.
Until the very end they said that theyd like Reni to stay behind, didnt they? (Helen)
Helen muttered to Reni and Gengu, who walked at the front of the group together with her, just when the group staying behind wasnt visible anymore.
It cant be helped. There aint nothing I can do if they take fighting as given. (Reni)
Even so, you should be able to handle it sohow, its not only Helen that shares that thought, but it was likely the sa for the group staying behind. However, Reni denied it stubbornly. In her eyes it cant be helped if they have to fight to resolve a problem, but she dislikes to resolve a problem as a result of fighting.
In the end the group staying behind chose a tigerman as temporary diator. As one of those bought by Hifumi as slave, he admires the strength of Hifumi and continues to train his body. Hes a man who also actively participated in the vigilante corps and a person that looked more frustrated than others when they were driven out of the slums.
I think the only difference lies in what you use as basis for judging whether you won or lost. As leader of the group I believe it to be our victory if we can create an environnt where our comrades can live properly until they are t by their natural death. (Reni)
I see. (Helen)
Helen replied curtly. She felt that the things that Reni was saying are correct, but logically she couldnt understand them well.
Its odd for , who is a rabbit beastman who are weak at fighting, to say so, but fighting for the sake of protecting sothing or soone isnt sothing bad per se, is it? Helen believed. But she can also agree that getting others dragged into that fight is definitely weird.
Helen decided to stop pondering any further while checking the lie of her glossy hair by rubbing her long ears with her fingers. I wont reach a satisfactory answer anyway.
Gengu, who walked next to them, listens to Renis talk and smiled happily. There are probably various considerations for him as well. However Helen is not that much of a child to ask him directly.
She throws a fleeting glance to the rear.
The reason being the depressed-looking beargirl and tigergirl who are walking silently among the group inside the forest. Its the younger sister Riedel and her friend Olra whom Malfas had entrusted to Zanga.
In Helens eyes it looked as if Olra was harbouring so feelings of love towards Malfas, but as she didnt go with him, their relationship apparently hadnt gone that far yet.
Oh well, there are various circumstances, arent there?
Its not the ti for to worry about others, is it? Helen sighs.
After leaving the village where rabbit and sheep beastn live together, she had t various n, regardless of race, so far, but as she was busy with her work, she hadnt had any opportunity to start a romance or to go steady with soone.
For beastwon finding husbands at the age of Reni and Helen is definitely not too early. But, she doesnt feel like finding such partner at all.
A boyfriend, eh? (Helen)
Gengu is too old, and the other guys are just not my pair of shoes either.
When she pondered about who else there might be, I guess Hifumi cos to mind.
Nai wa~. (Helen) (T/N: Had to do it xD No way)
What not? (Reni)
Its nothing. (Helen)
Hmmm? (Reni)
Looking at Reni who seems to be already sleepy due to the preparations and gathering of the luggage throughout the morning, the question I wonder whether theres anyone Reni likes? suddenly popped up in Helens mind.
While watching her best friend who walks sluggishly, Helen thought that Reni liked Hifumi at so point, but she believes that it doesnt an that she liked him as a man.
Sooner or later, I might get so love consultation or sothing like that.
Well, what will be will be, huh? Gengu-san. How long do we have to walk to Hifumi-sans city? (Helen)
Hmm at this pace, I think it will take around ten to twelve days. (Gengu)
I see. Please help us our guide. (Helen)
Please leave it to . (Gengu)
Gengu laughs without showing in his attitude that hes likely worn out from going back and forth. He laughs, but since hes baring his fangs, hes a bit scary.
The mixed group of humans, elves and beastn, which is led by a representative that walks without listening to that exchange while being half asleep, advances through the forest.
Hifumi and Origa went on a carefree sightseeing tour and fully enjoyed the famous local products of every place they visited. When the two arrived at the royal capital, they were told Her Majesty the Queen is awaiting you at the royal castle by the sentries. However Hifumi only replied with a Oh, really and went to a suitable inn in the castle town.
With the knight order fully grasping his movents, veins popped out on Irarias forehead who had received their report.
Knowing or unknowing of Irarias worries, Hifumi took Origa out to enjoy a shopping stroll as he had promised her and it was just before noon of the next day when he finally went to the castle.
There are various things Id like to say, but first of all, thank you for making such a long trip. (Iraria)
No problem, dont worry about it. I was able to take it slowly for the first after coming to this world after all. (Hifumi)
The place where the two of them t was the room where Iraria had gathered Sabnak and her other chief vassals to hold a eting the other day.
Inside the room, which she had even cleared of maids, the two are approximately five ters apart from each other with a table in-between. Both of them wear composed expressions, but Iraria is eagerly struggling to hide her nervosity and complicated feelings.
So, whats your business with ? (Hifumi)
Due to the question of Hifumi, who quickly stretches a hand towards the baked sweets, Iraria takes a sip of her black tea as if trying to show her composure.
Before that, whats Origa-san doing? (Iraria)
Isnt she shopping? Since I bid farewell from her when I left the inn, I dont know where she went. (Hifumi)
A guard no, thats a pointless concern, isnt it? (Iraria)
Sothing like a noble aimlessly going shopping by themselves is unthinkable even with a relatively good public order in the area, but by now Iraria considered it fine to treat Origa in the sa way as Hifumi.
The knight order is monitoring her anyway. Theres nothing to worry about, right? (Hifumi)
They monitored you, Hifumi-sama, but why should they do the sa for Origa-san? (Iraria)
There were two presences who followed Origa at the inn. I felt like I know them. I guess soone from the forr Third Knight Order. (Hifumi)
Even Iraria doesnt know who exactly it was, but she thought that hes likely right about that.
Judging that they will be only pick at each other even if they unnecessarily argue back and forth any longer, Iraria took out an envelope that had several sheets of paper in it.
This is the report of Phyrinion-san who headed to the national border after eting with you at Fokalore, Hifumi-sama. It ntioned that you had a battle with the demons, but would you be as kind to explain the circumstances to . (Iraria)
The report, which Phyrinion finished up in a hurry, was able to reach the royal castle after to overtaking Hifumi who carefreely enjoyed his trip. Vaiya, who gloomily looked at the contents written there, imdiately reported to Iraria and passed the letter to her.
He ended up presenting Phyrinions report together with papers that contained love letter-like contents for her husband. Iraria was bored seeing words of love composed by the sa sex though.
I wanted to fight them. Although they are stronger than common humans, their numbers are low. If they dont prepare a bit better, it wont be enough for them to strike at the human camp with its big numbers, I suppose. Ah, their magic was quite nice. I t a guy who created a sword in the air. Even the other small fries were considerably superior in comparison to human magicians. (Hifumi)
Iraria takes quick notes while listening to Hifumis story. Thats because she knew that even if he phrases it as if its trivial information, important intelligence can be won out of it.
Didnt you consider reporting that to , Hifumi-sama? (Iraria)
A criticizing remark and a gaze which says that.
Its the circumstances of another country, right? Whats more, I already stopped being a noble. The report has co in from the border, hasnt it? Then, shouldnt you first feel a sense of danger due to the report not containing any information about the demons? (Hifumi)
Its a fair argunt, but Iraria fixedly stares at Hifumi without saying anything. And not just that. She fervently searched for what Hifumi wanted to say behind his mockery-like words.
Gulping down her spit, she opens her mouth.
T-The ones called nobles dont stop being nobles just because they retired as family head. Its not like its fine for them to not serve the country. I constantly need information to protect the country. Cooperating with that is the duty of the people which also includes the nobles. (Iraria)
Upon Irarias rebuttal, Hifumi clapped his hands and laughed.
Ahahaha! Those are nice words. The ideal might be like that. But, you should think about the oversight I told you about, shouldnt you? Well, as for that, I guess Sabnak, Puuse and the people around you are at fault as well. (Hifumi)
After laughing for a while, Hifumi smoothly took out a bundle of papers our of his darkness storage. The bulky docunts have been put together with a leather strap. With just a fleeting look, one can see that they are densely filled with characters.
Iraria, who received the docunts that Hifumi slid over across the table, quickly scans the first several pages. What was minutely written there were the place from where the demons attacked first, the composition of their army, the magic they used and how Vichy dealt with them.
This is (Iraria)
The docunts Caim put together from what I told him. Do your best and look through them and then ponder about counterasures. (Hifumi)
T-Thank you very much. (Iraria)
Well, I guess that planning to gather information is the correct approach. See it as reward for running around and keeping at it while keeping your mouth shut in Horant. (Hifumi)
Wh-! (Iraria)
Theres no need to even think about who might have leaked that. The only who was present there and had a chance to talk with Hifumi is Alyssa.
After listing several grudges and hard feelings towards Alyssa in her mind while hanging her bright red head in sha, Iraria clears her throat.
Ahem. Putting the reason aside, it saves troubles. As for the counterasures, I will consult with Sabnak and the others, and arrange for them. Thus, next is the real reason why I called you here. (Iraria)
Mmh? Its not because you wanted this information? (Hifumi)
Theres that as well. But theres sothing Id like to ask of you. (Iraria)
While listening, Hifumi picks up a backed sweet and tosses it into his mouth. Only his gaze remained on Iraria.
Id like you to teach your way of fighting to the knights, Hifumi-sama. (Iraria)
If thats the case, the instructions of Fokalore are carried out all over the place, right? (Hifumi)
Thats not it, Iraria shakes her head.
It about your personal techniques, Hifumi-sama. I havent seen it that many tis, but everyone of the knights Midas-san and Vaiya-san, of course Sabnak-san as well, have highly praised your strength and skills without reluctance, Hifumi-sama. (Iraria)
You dont have to praise any further. (Hifumi)
Eh? (Iraria)
I warmly welco anyone who wants to beco strong, but theres no need to praise for that sake. I dont expect to be acknowledged by others and Im not such a nice person either. (Hifumi)
Iraria gasped.
But, she didnt fail to hear it, naly I warmly welco anyone who wants to beco strong.
Excessive sugarcoating is unnecessary then, right? Please help us. (Iraria)
Iraria stood up while talking and slowly bowed her head.
Please bestow strength to protect this country to the knights of Orsongrande. (Iraria)
As ans to protect the country created by you? (Hifumi)
No, its not only that. (Iraria)
Hifumi lifted one eyebrow due to the unexpected answer and showed fake surprise.
Umm right now I cant tell you. (Iraria)
Hmmm. (Hifumi)
Seeing Iraria hesitant to speak about it, Hifumi stood up while grinning broadly.
From tomorrow onwards, right? I will start early in the morning. You have decided on the number of people, havent you? (Hifumi)
Yes. It will be 30 knights. Please do bestow your teachings on them. (Iraria)
Got it. See you tomorrow. (Hifumi)
Iraria suddenly had a question for Hifumi who was about to leave like that.
You wont be staying in the castle? (Iraria)
Yeah, I already took an inn near the castle. The retired married couple will spend its ti carefreely among the people. (Hifumi)
Married couple (Iraria)
Hifumi leaves the room with a See you.
Iraria, who sat down once again, placed her head on the table with her face turned downwards.
Y-Your Majesty!?
Dont worry Im alright (Iraria)
The maid, who entered in exchange for Hifumi, raised her voice, but Iraria lifts a hand and waves her slender fingers.
After not showing her face to anyone for around three minutes, Iraria raised her face energetically.
Inside the room there was a maid on standby while looking uneasy.
Pass a ssage to Sabnak-san and the others. They are to gather here tonight. (Iraria)
As you wish, Your Majesty.
The maid quietly leaves the room.
Once again Iraria was sitting absent-mindedly in the room by herself.
What should I do? (Iraria)
No one replies. She has to find an answer by herself.
He stomach rumbled.
I have to show that Im full of spirit (Iraria)
Standing up staggeringly, Iraria started to walk in search for the lunch that should have been prepared in her office.
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